''I expect the relationship to continue beyond the end of the
season,'' said motorsport director Dr Mario Theissen, although
reported to be taking a 'Sauber buyout' plan to Tuesday's Munich board
meeting.

The real problem, though, is whether Sir Frank Williams would put up
with the scenario.

For now, BMW - who know Sauber success would take time - need Frank's
Grove team.

In the meantime, Honda and Toyota - who both did not rule out a
collaboration - are touted as Williams' possible 'plan-Bs'.

Honda's vice president Otmar Szafnauer, though, told Autosport that
the Japanese marque has had 'no serious discussion' with them about
it.

''We are not against it,'' he said, ''but we don't want to ... because
it would not benefit us.''

Quali debate set to return
(GMMf1NET -- May.29) Don't draw breath yet -- the format for
qualifying is set to return to the Formula One news.

Although the Nurburgring debuted the single Saturday one-lap-per-car
session, McLaren's Ron Dennis said the 2006 system - likely to be a
one hour, 2002-like, 12-lap system - should be discussed soon.

He commented: ''The teams need to know certain elements ... within
four to eight weeks.''

Why so early? Most teams are keen to get a start on some of the detail
of their 2006 machines, like - so dependent on qualifying strategy -
fuel tanks.

Williams' Sam Michael said the teams' biggest problem with the current
format is its link with the previous race.

''If you have a bad race,'' said the technical director, ''then you
are even further penalized.

''I think it's much better when everyone can go to a race on a level
playing field.''

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